Leo_Loves

Hey Everybody,

Any day now, my H1B petition is going to be submitted to the USCIS by my (potential) new employer's attorneys. It's going through premium processing so things will (hopefully) start moving quickly.

I have a little genearl paranoia and also an unanswered question about interview documents despite searching a bunch...

1) General Paranoia
My case:
My company has sponsored a bunch of visas before; they're experienced. The law firm they're using is also (apparently) experienced in immigration. I have a regular 3 year BA and a job offer as a project manager (with specialist skills/knowledge). I know that no two cases are the same but to me I feel like there should be no reason why I'd get refused or why there'd be an RFE or Administrative Processing - right?

2) Interview documents
If everything goes swell and I get my embassy interview in a few weeks, what do I need to take with me? I've read conflicting things on a few different sites, some of which say I'll need to take payslips - but, how many payslips? does it matter if there's a month missing etc? I'm not good at keeping hold of things like that unless I have a specific reason to.
I'm not worried about the actual interview as 99% of people have an interview that lasts about 2 minutes and consists of super easy questions like 'how long did you go to university?', 'have you ever been arrested?', 'what will your new job entail?' etc... I'm just concerned that I wont be prepared with the right documents.

A side question is about what I can take with me - I've read that mobile phones are a 'no-no' so, do I leave my phone at home for the day or can I declare it when I go through security or something?

Thank you in advance everybody! My dream is so nearly coming true and it's now that I'm my most paranoid!

Cheers,
Leo

Noorah101

You can't take anything electronic inside the consulate, not even a key fob for your car. You can either leave your phone (and other electronic devices) at home, or pay to keep them at Gould's Pharmacy around the corner from the consulate.

I've seen some people report here that they stashed their phone in some bushes on the way to the consulate...not sure I'd trust that method, though. LOL

Rene

Leo_Loves

Thanks for clearing that up, Rene! I've got no problem forking over a tenner for them to hold on to my stuff!

RayM

No electronics. They also make you remove watches and belts when you go through security. The only documents I took were the ones they told me to. That was my I 797 plus interview letter and receipt. No need to take pay slips or anything else.
The company's attorneys will need to be very clear about what specialist skills you have as a PM. PM's, especially IT ones, are a dime a dozen. Since you're using Premium Processing you may well get an RFE. There is a view that Premium is more likely to attract an RFE as it gives USCIS more time to consider the petition.

Sally Redux

We didn't take anything like payslips.

My husband got asked how long we'd been married, and he couldn't remember

Leo_Loves

Thanks for the replies folks.

Hmm. Thanks for flagging that being a PM may cause an issue... I'd like to think it'll be ok as I work in a high-tech / niche industry and genuinely do have specialist knowledge - hopefully my employer's supporting letter / attorneys have indicated that!

Regarding the documents, will I get a final list from the attorneys of what I'll need or should I base it on the info on London's US embassy website? I have, luckily (if needed?), just found payslips going all the way back to November 2010 (excluding April 2011).

RayM

The embassy website has a list and they also tell you when you phone for your interview. You will need the I 797, this usually takes around a week to get from USCIS to the company's attorney. Then they'll need to forward it to you.
Let us know how you get on.

Wibblypig

I got asked 'do you have permission off the father of your children to take them with you?' I replied 'yes he is stood next to me' was tempted to say 'erm no....(turn to hubby) Mark do I have your permission?'

Wibblypig

What industry do you work in as a PM? I am a PM but cannot work on my visa

Wibblypig

P.S. Hubby's H1B was done with premium processing and didn't get an RFE.

We just needed the basics that asked to take, I wouldn't worry about payslips etc I doubt they will give a toss about them.

But do know about the company you will be working for, hubby got asked quite a few q's on them, also she said 'oh I have interviewed a lot for that company' which was a load of crap as this was the first time they had done this, hubby replied 'you must be mistaken as this is the first time this company has sponsored someone' which she seemed happy with the reply